Product Description
KADCYLA is an anti-cancer medicine that contains the active substance Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine. It is used for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has been spread to other body parts from breasts). It can also be used to treat relapsing breast cancer in patients when complete cure is not achievable.
It belongs to the group of medicines called Antibody-Drug Conjugates where Trastuzumab (antibody) works by blocking the actions of certain cellular proteins (HER2) that triggers cancer cell formation and also blocks various downstream cell signaling pathways that triggers cancer growth within the body; where Emtansine (Drug) is an anticancer agent. It destroys the cancer cells and prevents their multiplication within the body. As a result, this medicine reduces cancer formation and prevents its further growth within the body.
Inform the doctor if you had pulmonary toxicity, renal dysfunction, diabetes, heart/heart rhythm disorders, low levels of electrolytes, liver problems, fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers due to infections.
Inform the doctor about all your medical conditions, prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamin supplements, herbal medications, since Kadcyla can interact with them. Kadcyla can cause an allergic reaction in some patients therefore it is necessary to read the complete composition list and consult the doctor in case of any ingredient that induces allergies.
Consult the doctor if you are planning, on a pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is advisable to avoid driving and operating heavy machinery during the course of Kadcyla.
Indications of KADCYLA Injection
Kadcyla indicated for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body.
Therapeutic Effects of KADCYLA Injection
Kadcyla Injection contains a medicine called Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). It is a conjugate of antibody (trastuzumab) and a drug (Emtansine). Trastuzumab works by blocking the actions of certain cellular proteins (HER2) that triggers cancer cell formation and also blocks various downstream cell signaling pathways that triggers cancer growth within the body; where Emtansine (known as DM-1) is an anticancer agent. It destroys the cancer cells and prevents their multiplication within the body. As a result, this medicine reduces cancer formation and prevents its further growth within the body.
Directions for Use
Kadcyla is usually given as an intravenous infusion. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the individual’s condition and response to the medication and should be determined by the doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose and frequency of administration based on your health condition. A trained healthcare doctor/Nurse will administer Kadcyla. So, do not self-administer.
Storage
Kadcyla Injection should be stored in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Do not shake.
If you are traveling, carefully follow all patient instructions for storing your medicine during travel. Avoid extreme heat or cold.
Keep in the original container to protect from light and moisture.
Keep Kadcyla Injection out of sight and reach of children.
Common:
- Fatigue
- Decrease platelet count
- Nausea
- Decrease red blood cells
- Decrease white blood cells
- Increased liver enzymes
- Decrease potassium
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Cough
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Weakness
- Mouth Sores
- Nose Bleeds
- Dry Mouth
- Insomnia (Trouble in sleeping)
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Constipation
- Increase bilirubin
Serious:
- Infusion site reactions (such as pain, inflammation, swelling, leakage)
- Liver inflammation
- Signs of nerve damage (such as tingling, pain, numbness, itching, crawling sensation, pins and needles in your hands and feet)
- Unexpected bleeding or bruising
- Signs of heart problems (such as fever, flushing, shivering, fits, fever, trouble breathing, low blood pressure or a rapid heartbeat, cough shortness of breath at rest or when sleeping flat, chest pain and swollen ankles or arms, a sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeats)
- Signs of lung inflammation (such as shortness of breath, coughing or coughing spells with a dry cough)
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eye
- Signs of an allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat with difficulty in breathing)
Tell a doctor or nurse straight away, if you notice any of the side effects above.
Contraindications
Kadcyla Injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Kadcyla or any of the excipients.
Drug Interactions
Kadcyla might interact with other medicines. Therefore, it is recommended to inform your doctor about all the prescriptions you have.
Safety Advices for KADCYLA Injection
Consult Your Doctor
It is unknown whether Kadcyla Injection interacts with alcohol. However, it is best to avoid alcohol or limit your alcohol consumption while taking any medication. Consult your doctor.
Unsafe
Kadcyla Injection is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your fetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Kadcyla Injection. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment is suggested.Unsafe
Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment with Kadcyla, as it may pass through breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medication.Unsafe
Kadcyla may cause dizziness and tiredness in some patients. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machines that require mental concentration until you are not alert.Consult Your Doctor
If you have any lung-related symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, consult your doctor before taking Kadcyla, as this medication should be used with caution in such conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, consult your doctor Kadcyla. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Unsafe
Kadcyla is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.- 1. KD. Tripathi. Chemotherapy of Neoplastic Diseases. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 7th Edition. Page – 872.
- 2. Parvin F. Peddi and Sara A. Hurvitz. Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer: latest evidence and clinical potential. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. September 2014. [Accessed on 7th February 2023].
- 3. Roche Products Limited. Kadcyla 100 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion Kadcyla 160 mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion trastuzumab emtansine. [Revised in January 2022]. [Accessed on 7th February 2023].
- 4. Kadcyla. Ado-trastuzumab emtansine 20mg/ml injection for intravenous use. [Accessed on 7th February 2023].

Disclaimer
While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our ‘Platform’, we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user’s risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship. All Trademarks, Brands and Service marks that appear on this website belong to their respective owner.